In my workplace there is often a lot of hostility. Some believe that they can improve their work situation by stabbing others in the back, tearing others down, or generally making life so rough for others that they find employment elsewhere. I have at times been the target of the hostility. There was a time when I had to be careful to protect my work from sabotage by those that would have loved to have run me off. One co-worker was particularly mean to me for no apparent reason. I hadn't been unkind to him and didn't deserve the harsh treatment, which included lying to the manager about me in an attempt to get me fired among many other things. This person spoke with profanity and perversion almost every time I was around him and had filthy habits. Everything about him seemed to be bad. I had every right to judge him to be pure scum, didn't I? Eventually that person switched to a different department, but still worked at the same place. Years later something happened. I saw something. This co-worker came down to my department to see someone and had to wait a while. He had his 9-year-old down syndrome daughter with him. While I worked, I watched him push his daughter around in a rolling chair. She squealed and laughed. He did this for quite some time and also entertained her with some other things that were in the work area. He was very careful not to let her get hurt while he helped her have fun. While I watched him interact with his daughter, I was overcome with emotion. I was allowed to see him in a way that Heavenly Father sees him and subsequently feel Heavenly Father's love. This was more than unexpected considering past experiences. This taught me a lesson in judging others. Mostly, it taught me that it is safer for me to judge not, rather than try to judge righteously. It also reminded me to be grateful for the circumstances that have led me to my testimony of Heavenly Father and the Savior, Jesus Christ.
